The recent celebration of National Small Business Week provides a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions small businesses make every day to our national and local economies.

For example, did you know that over 50 percent of the U.S. workforce owns or works for a small business? And, did you know that small businesses generally employ less than 100 employees, and some can generate annual revenue upwards of $2.5M?

It’s not surprising that small businesses are pillars of economic strength in our community. We are continually improving our services to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed in Fremont. For example, the City created a Business Ally position whose goal is to help small businesses through the permitting process. Our Economic Development Department staff provides additional connections to the state’s incentives program and links businesses to state and federal resources for hiring and training assistance.

Because a solid business plan and thorough understanding of finance increase the probability of business success and longevity, the City of Fremont partners with the Alameda County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer business training workshops for free. SBDC has provided classes in business plan writing, social media marketing, and business finance, as well as other classes and services. If you’re a small business owner who would like to give input on what you would like to see covered in workshops that will be offered starting in September 2015, please take 5 minutes to fill out the 2015 Fremont Small Business Survey.

The Fremont Chamber of Commerce as well as Fremont’s Business Associations work with City staff to connect businesses to the resources they need in order to hit the ground running. Furthermore, the Chamber and Business Associations host networking and special events throughout the year to help businesses connect and grow. If you’re an entrepreneur, you can take advantage of these connections by becoming a member.

As the owner of a local Certificated Public Accounting firm, I know firsthand the importance of supporting small businesses when they are getting started, as well as after they’ve been established. The City of Fremont is here to help respond because we value the diversity and economic vitality that small businesses bring to our City.

From one business owner to another, Happy Small Business Week!